The free online series, presented by Onkaparinga Libraries and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc, will feature political experts, social media stars and fresh literary faces, examining topics including truth-telling, recognition and what makes a good yarn (the art of conversation).
Southern Deadly Yarns welcomes back one of the most celebrated Wiradjuri authors Dr. Anita Heiss on Wednesday 19 May in recognition of her new book, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams). Set in timeless Wiradjuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, this epic story of love, loss and belonging is based on devastating true events.
Stan Grant, one of Australia’s most respected and awarded journalist and authors will be joining the Southern Deadly Yarns forum this season, though his 3 June event has been postponed. This Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man has a strong reputation for independence and integrity. He will discuss his recently published books and demonstrate his powerful grasp on politics, literature and philosophy. Keep an eye out for the new date for Stan’s talk soon.
Another newcomer to this season is Blackfulla Bookclub, which is run by Gumbaynggirr and Barkandji woman Merinda Dutton and Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman Teela Reid. The book club is an online celebration of First Nations storytelling and has over 35,000 followers on Instagram. These passionate lawyers and influencers will yarn about literature, culture, and more on Monday 7 June.
Torres Strait Islander Thomas Mayor was born and raised on Larrakia country in Darwin. From wharfie, to union official, to author, he is a tireless campaigner and signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. On Wednesday 23 June he’ll be yarnin about his books Finding the Heart of the Nation and Finding our Heart, focussing on the path to Reconciliation.
Viral TikTok sensation Nathan Lyons will talk about his new book Kooking with a Koori, which contains a collection of his best recipes and more Indigenous Australian soul foods that won’t break the bank. His aim is to get Aussies back into the kitchen making their own meals instead of grabbing fast food. You can catch Nathan on Monday 28 June.
To see the full program and its star-studded line-up visit the City of Onkaparinga Libraries website.
In February, Onkaparinga Libraries and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc. won the LGA’s 2020 Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries for the inaugural season of Southern Deadly Yarns.